Penn State, Wisconsin highs and lows

November 25, 2012

UNIVERSITY PARK - Following are the highlights and lowlights from Penn State's 24-21 overtime victory over Wisconsin on Saturday at Beaver Stadium:

Play of the game: Sam Ficken made a 37-yard field goal in overtime that provided the winning margin. Moments later, Wisconsin's Kyle French missed from 44 yards to set off a Beaver Stadium celebration.

Offensive player of the game: Penn State's Zach Zwinak rushed for 179 yards on 36 carries, both career highs, and one touchdown. He also scored on a 2-point conversion.

Defensive player of the game: Nittany Lion defensive tackle Jordan Hill, in his final game, recorded a career-high 12 tackles, including three for 14 yards in losses and two sacks.

Most telling statistic: After allowing Wisconsin to score touchdowns on its first two possessions, the Lions' defense forced eight straight punts.

Hidden statistic: PSU outgained the Badgers 146-17 in the third quarter.

Best run: Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon took a screen pass and patiently followed blockers up the right sideline en route to a 57-yard touchdown that opened the scoring.

Best pass: The Badgers' Curt Phillips found Derek Watt up the right sideline for 33 yards in the fourth quarter.

Worst pass: Matt McGloin forced one underneath and was fortunate to have it hit the ground in the second quarter. The play was originally ruled an interception by Mike Taylor, but the call was reversed after a replay.

Best catch: Allen Robinson made a leaping 19-yard reception of a high pass in the third quarter.

Catch it, will ya: Defenders struggled to hang onto interceptions, none bigger than Glenn Carson's third-down drop in overtime, which could have clinched the game. Wisconsin cornerback Devin Smith dropped two catchable interceptions in the first half, keeping the Nits in the game. Badger receiver Kenzel Doe also dropped a pass in the fourth quarter.